California Delivers All You Could Wish For

The Golden State offers everything any traveler could want. From the glitz of Hollywood, to the bohemian urban experience of San Francisco. And for the whole family California offers its beaches, amusement parks, and mountains. Whatever your predilections, you'll be able to fill them in California.

Exploring Los Angeles

The City of Angels is vast and has much to offer depending on where your interests lie. Interested in star spotting? Hit the boutiques in West Hollywood to stock up on everything from hip kids clothes, jewelry, latest fashions and housewares. In Santa Monica spend a day on the beach, take a ride on the famed ferris wheel, and shop on the 3rd Street Promenade or head over to the boutiques and restaurants on Montana Avenue. Book a stay in Santa Monica now and take advantage of their current Sun, Sea and Save promotion – stay two nights at participating hotels and get the third night free.

If the beach is more your speed, also check out the smaller beach hamlets like Manhattan Beach – laid back with a surfer feel and with plenty of opportunities to dine and have cocktails by the ocean. Of course, hard core shoppers will also want to peruse in Beverly Hills. How to cover so much ground? Rent a house for a week and live like a local – check out listings on HomeAway.com to find properties all across the area – from stunning estates, beach front cottages or downtown condos – you will find the inspiration to start planning your perfect LA escape today.

Family Fun and More in San Diego

With a plethora of attractions, San Diego is an ideal destination for families or anyone looking quite simply for a taste of paradise. This idyllic city has much to offer from outdoor activities like kayaking, surfing and bike riding; to family attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Lego Land and Sea World. Also consider visiting the Birch Aquarium featuring hands on exhibits such as tide-pools and captivating ocean views. Those looking to focus more on relaxing will relish the beauty of La Jolla and its upscale boutiques, spas, great dining and the beautiful walking paths of La Jolla Shores beach. For lodging consider The Lodge at Torrey Pines which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has a championship golf course, full service spa and makes a perfect retreat.

Urban California?

Its true, one can have a great urban experience in California with a visit to "The City By The Bay"... San Francisco. Start your visit off by booking a hotel on or near Union Square. For a historic choice, try the fabled St. Francis Hotel or for something a bit more modern, the high-rise Four Seasons fills the bill. Now that you've settled in, you're ready to discover the city and you can do most of it on foot from your hotel. Most of the best shopping along with great restaurants, museums, the financial district and China Town are all within an easy walk.

A short trip from Union Square lays Japantown, a great place for day spa visit, the trendy Fillmore Shopping District. For a little fresh air, try the beautiful Golden Gate Park and why not visit it the Golden Gate Bridge for a hike while you're at this end of the peninsula.